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Tag: Niger Delta

  • Niger Delta: Troops kill two armed vandals, arrest 18 others in war against economic sabotage

    Niger Delta: Troops kill two armed vandals, arrest 18 others in war against economic sabotage

    Troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully killed two armed vandals, arrested 18 suspected oil thieves, and recovered two AK-47 rifles during their ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta region.

    The troops also dismantled 13 active illegal refineries and destroyed seven boats, while uncovering eight illegal connection points and seizing over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

    Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the acting deputy director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, confirmed these operations in a statement over the weekend.

    He noted that the troops acted quickly on credible intelligence regarding a criminal plot to vandalize the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) pipeline in the Upatabo community of Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA).

    “On getting to the scene, the criminal elements engaged troops in a firefight. In the gun duel that ensued, troops neutralised two of the criminals, and recovered two AK 47 rifles, eight magazines and 69 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, while others fled in disarray. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    “At Bille in Degema LGA, troops deactivated four illegal refining sites, and two wooden boats and handled over 6,000 litres of stolen products. Likewise at Odagba village, at the fringes of Imo River, troops intercepted two wooden boats with over 5,000 litres of stolen products and destroyed one oven and receiver each within the swampy area of Odagba village.

    “Also, along road Ndoni Obiafu, troops sighted suspected oil thieves who fled and abandoned 2 vehicles, a KIA with Reg No DG 991 PHC Rivers and a Toyota Avalon with Reg No GWB 972 HM Abia with 4 motorcycles. Further surveillance revealed the vehicles were loaded with over 28 sacks suspected to be illegally refined products estimated to be over 1,700 litres of stolen products”, Danjuma said.

    He said troops on routine patrol arrested two suspected oil thieves within the vicinity of an illegal connection point, along Edia Bridge Ndoni in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.

    At Imo River, he confirmed that two active illegal refining sites were deactivated around Owaza Odogwa Creeks, four wooden boats used criminality were destroyed, four pumping machines, over 10 cooking pots as well and several items were recovered with over 6,000 litres of stolen products confiscated.

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    He said at Alakiri general area in Okrika LGA, troops deactivated one illegal refining site, equipped with several fabricated ovens, and unquantified litres of stolen products.

    He said: “In Delta State, at Okpoko in Warri South LGA, one wooden boat was intercepted late at night siphoning crude from Well 8 at Okpoko Oil Field, the suspected oil thieves fled into the bush on sighting troops.

    “Relatedly, at Ndemili Community, a border between Ndokwa West and Ika North LGAs, troops discovered and confiscated a reservoir stocked with over 2,000 litres of stolen crude. Troops also sighted sacks in the general area, suspected to be used in transporting stolen products.

    “Further combing of the area, led to the arrest of five suspected oil thieves. At Oleh, following a tip-off, troops intercepted two vehicles, a Honda Accord with Reg No Taraba USS 431 AA and Pacio mini bus with Reg No Lagos APP 296 EP ladened 33 sacks of stolen products within Asaba and Ase communities in Ndokwa East LGA.

    “At Orde Bridge, along road Odorobu Bomadi in Bomadi LGA, troops arrested a Toyota bus with Reg No AR 284 loaded with 20 cellophane bags stocked with stolen products and carefully concealed inside 67 empty crates of bottled drinks. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested. While, at Burutu three persons were arrested with stolen products”.

    Danjuma said in Bayelsa State, along the Nun River in Southern Ijaw LGA, troops intercepted seven suspects in two fibre boats with sacks of stolen products estimated to be over 1,000 litres.

    “At Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, troops intercepted one suspect with vandalised NAOC armoured cables, one saw, one iron bar, and a shovel in a locally made wooden boat.

    “Also, at Apuama in Southern Ijaw, troops deactivated one illegal refining site and confiscated over 3,000 stolen products. This feat was also recorded at Okegbene creeks, where two illegal refining sites, drums, and one wooden boat were destroyed.

    “The operations also led to the confiscation of over 10,000 litres of stolen products. The same was also done at Obotoro Creek, where one wooden boat was intercepted with over 1,500 litres of stolen crude”, he said.

    He added: “In Akwa Ibom, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted 6 drums of premium motor spirit estimated to be 1,500 litres at Ibaka waterside in Mbo LGA.

    “The products were being primed for onward smuggling to a neighbouring country through the waterways. All the persons arrested have been handed over to the prosecuting agency, while products confiscated are handled appropriately in compliance with subsisting mandate in the region”.

  • Hope confiscated or a promise deferred? Redeeming the time in the Niger Delta

    Hope confiscated or a promise deferred? Redeeming the time in the Niger Delta

    By Daniel Iworiso-Markson

    Nothing puts in more stark relief the squandering of Nigeria’s fortunes than the state of development of other oil-endowed climes like the Gulf states vis-a-vis the utter despoilation of our oil-rich Niger Delta. Why couldn’t  the Niger Delta be developed like Dubai, which in the space of two decades,and before our very eyes, grew from an unremarkable fishing town to the Middle East’s business, tourism and culture epicentre?

    In one of his many published articles, Brandon Bekker, while on a sabbatical in Dubai wrote a piece he titled ‘A Dream in the Desert: The Man Who Built Dubai’, where he said, “If ever there was an example of a high growth, high performance city, Dubai would certainly be it.

    “What’s even more impressive about the meteoric growth of Dubai is the role that one man played in developing the ideas, strategies and teams that fuelled it. I greatly admire Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, prime minister and constitutional monarch of Dubai, and reading his book My Vision: Challenges in the Race for Excellence reminded me exactly what I love about his style of leadership.”

    The challenge of today’s Niger Delta, not to talk of the larger Nigerian polity is that we have been bereft of leaders like Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Truth is the development or advancement of any state or nation is a function of her leadership. According to John Maxwell, author of over 70 leadership books, everything rises and falls on leadership.

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    The success story of Dubai today revolved around the vision and uncommon leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The same can be said of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew. It was clear that both the  Sheikh and Lee Kuan Yew were not just men of enormous vision, but they possessed the unique ability to be single-minded in the execution of their vision.

    To build the Niger Delta of our dream will require a similar single-minded deliberation and effort. The first place to start is to identify and be deliberate about the choice of leaders we put in positions of leadership for if the truth be told bad and corrupt leadership is at the heart of our region’s underdevelopment. If the Niger Delta must develop, then it is imperative that we elect the right set of leaders and buck the national predilection to enthrone mediocrity. For too long it  appeared as if  only the worst amongst us  found their way to power  by hook or by crook.

    The right leaders would of necessity prioritize basic development, focusing poverty alleviation, primary healthcare and education. If you move around the Niger Delta today you will be shocked to find out that our people still lack the very basic amenities. There are many communities still without portable drinking water or a primary health clinic. Whilst it is good to build  roads and bridges to link communities and promote social and economic intercourse,  it is equally important to attend to the very basic needs of clean water supply and basic health facilities. 

    Leaders in the Niger Delta should be intentional about assisting the common people with resources to meet their basic needs. Your good roads and bridges mean nothing if the people are wallowing in abject poverty, unable to appreciably pursue a means of livelihood that will enable them live in dignity.It means nothing if the children are roaming the streets instead of having them in the school classrooms and learning. It means absolutely nothing if the bulk of your youth population are not gainfully employed or empowered and armed with the requisite skills to fend for themselves.

    Sadly, the derelict situation of the denizens of the Niger Delta reflects the national condition such that  Nigeria today teeters on a dangerous precipice fuelled by widespread discontent and instability.

    For us in the Niger Delta, our future and prosperity now lies in our ability to look beyond oil, a depleting asset that has inflicted more pain than gain. The magnitude of the damage to our environment and the attendant effects on the lives and health of our people by oil exploitation is still to be fully appreciated.

    Rather than wasting time in lamenting this baleful legacy, we must focus our energy on harnessing available resources to actualize our goals of create a strong regional economy through economic cooperation and integration. This was the aim that undergirded  BRACE ( acronym for the states that make up the Niger Delta) Commission. It is sad to say that the governors of the six South-South states today have not moved the needle as far as BRACE is concerned. What is clear from where I stand is that some of our governors are busy politicking and are more concerned about their hold on power than be bothered by any vision  to transform the Niger Delta and positively affect the material conditions of the  people.

    With the future of oil and even natural gas fast receding into the past as a result of climate change driving the development of alternative energy sources, we cannot afford to waste any more time.

    I strongly believe the Niger Delta can still be made to emulate Dubai’s  development model if our leaders would embrace the vision of looking beyond the self and take the necessary steps. Many years ago, Qatar sought to emulate the development template of Dubai and today that effort has paid off. Qatar today is fast overtaking Dubai as the number one business and tourism destination in the Middle East. I believe If it worked for Qatar, it can also work for us in the Niger Delta. All that is required are men of vision to arise, give the people a new hope and provide selfless leadership and example.

    Reflection on the squandered opportunity to develop the region and the imperative to do something about it rather than indulge in lamentation and hand-wringing informed our decision to mark the fourth anniversary of our online newspaper, FIRST NEWS, by organizing a public lecture with the theme “Building the Niger Delta of Our Dream: With or Without Oil”. It is scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt on the 4th of October 2024 at the Atlantic Hall of Hotel Presidential. Billed to speak at the event are some of the engaged figures on the challenge of development in the region and beyond. They will engage our audience in meaningful conversation and dialogue that will stimulate new ideas and solutions on the way forward to fast track the region’s development.

     It bears restating:there can be no better time than now for us to rethink the future of the region, casting our minds back to the time when we were a thriving economy, long before the discovery of oil in Oloibiri in 1956. That was when  the white man came with his oily business. Then, our people were bemused by his preoccupation with the  oil and allowed him to exploit our land rather mercilessly. Now he has sucked out the black gold  and has left our land badly degraded and despoiled, leaving whatever is left to  their local interlopers. Now they have put a knife (guns) in the hands of warlords in the name of pipeline surveillance contract, in another phase of exploitation and despoilation of our land and its resources.

    Indeed it is worth recalling that before the discovery of the oil at Oloibiri the Niger Delta occupied a  most fertile land suitable for the cultivation of crops such as yam,cassava, palm kernels and rubber while the availability of water bodies made for aquaculture particularly fish farming . Agriculture was the mainstay of our region’s economy back then and we grew our crops both for local consumption and exports. The region was a major exporter of rubber, timber, and palm oil and palm kernels via the Niger delta ports of Burutu, Forcados, Koko, Sapele, and Warri. Today, all that has gone with the wind.  Warri and other ports in the Niger Delta are now looking like grave yards. The only gainful ( some would say ungainful) employment in the Niger Delta today is either to be a card carrying politician or a brief case toting oil and gas contractor. Agriculture has been relegated to the background. With the people economically marginalized little wonder one  report indicates that 73% of the population are multidimensionally poor in the Niger Delta. Some states in the region had the largest percentage of people in the country living below the poverty line as of that 2023 report.

    The situation demands clarity of vision and spirited engagement by a new generation of leaders to turn the tide.

    The challenge is urgent. The time to act is NOW!

    • Iworiso-Markson, PhD is Publisher of First News

  • Troops dismantle 37 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

    Troops dismantle 37 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have scaled up clearance in the creeks, waterways and rivulets dismantling 37 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.

    In a statement, the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the operations were aimed at stopping criminals.

     The troops identified 10 illegal connection points and destroyed six wooden boats used for conveying stolen products.

    They arrested nine suspected oil thieves, seven vehicles, eight motorcycles, four  trucks, many pumping machines and impounded 221,000 litres of illegally refined products.

    In Rivers State, in Owaza and Odogwa creeks, the troops confiscated over 15,000 litres of stolen crude in a large wooden boat and at Okoloma and Obuzor creeks, they destroyed five wooden boats, motorcycles and confiscated over 13,000 litres of stolen products.

    On Ebocha Ndoni Road, a reservoir with over 8,500 litres of stolen products, 116 sacks stocked with over 7,000 stolen products were recovered.

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    “Additionally, 10 empty metal drums, 10 metal pipes and one motorcycle were also recovered. Troops also intercepted one suspect in a Toyota Camry with Reg No KTU 423 EC Lagos with over 2,000 litres of stolen products,” the statement said.

    On Ndoni Obiafo Road, the troops intercepted a suspect, who fled on sighting them and abandoned a Toyota Sienna with Reg No Lagos EPE 789 JC conveying stolen products.

    Danjuma said: “In the same vein, a Volvo car without registration number was intercepted with 36 sacks with products estimated to be over 2,000.

    “In Aga Community, Omoku at Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), troops confiscated 16 empty newly constructed locally made drums for illegal refining of crude oil in a desperate attempt to establish a new illegal oil bunkering hub.

    “In Ikwerede community, also at ONELGA, troops deactivated illegal refining sites with 15 reservoirs and over 5,000 litres of stolen products handled appropriately.”

    Danjuma said in Delta State, the operatives intercepted one tanker truck with Reg No YLA 286 XB loaded with products suspected to be stolen crude on the Jesse-Oben Road in Ethiope West Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State.

  • INGO targets 66 communities in Niger Delta for sustainable livelihood

    INGO targets 66 communities in Niger Delta for sustainable livelihood

    An International Non-governmental Organisation (INGO), Search For Common Ground (SFCG), has said it is working to deliver a sustainable livelihood initiative in 66 communities spread across three states of the Niger Delta.

    Identifying the benefitting states as Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers, SFCG said the initiative was in collaboration with the PIND Foundation, APW and SDN.

    The INGO said the programme was designed to address systemic drivers of violence and criminality by providing alternatives to idle youths.

    Speaking at a one-day Strategy Validation Meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Regional Head and Head of Programme for Search for Common Ground in Niger Delta,Yacinthe Agbadjagan, said it was important for communities to full participate in the Livelihood Initiative.

    Agbadjagan said that the project, which began in November 2023, focused on validating the livelihood initiative strategy with community leaders to ensure their input and ownership.

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    He said that the project’s success relied on the active participation of community leaders adding that the initiatives would be implemented in their areas of administration especially in collaboration with ministries of agriculture, environment, and youth and women affairs.

    He said the initiative was in its 10 months of implementation, emphasizing the need for collective effort to achieve success in the 18-month pilot phase humanitarian programme.

    He said: “With achievements recorded so far, the programme is still faced challenges, that is why we require active participation from government, civil society, community leaders, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders.

    “To succeed in this project we need everybody from government action to civil society, community actions, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders”.

    In her remarks, the Project Consultant,
    Bridget Afia, said communities were driving the decision-making process, selecting skills and businesses that addressed their unique challenges, by identifying and resolving specific needs, adding that the project hoped to create sustainable businesses and income opportunities.

    Afia said fishing communities were opting for cold rooms and fish driers, while others were choosing oil mills or cassava mills.

    She said so far comprehensive needs assessment was conducted prior to the project’s launch with ongoing rapid sustainable livelihood assessment to ensure that skills development was viable and sustainable.

    She said the focus was on businesses that could thrive in the long term, such as renewable energy, emphasizing that the community approach was poised to make a significant impact, fostering economic growth and reducing reliance on external support, by putting businesses in the hands of communities.

    She said: “You can’t build peace without empowering businesses. The project focuses on identifying community-specific needs, such as cold rooms for fishing communities or oil mills, to create sustainable businesses and income opportunities. By doing so, youths will be engaged, and communities will benefit from accessible services.”

    Afia urged Niger Delta youths to develop skills, emphasizing that it remained a sustainable path to success, regardless of government support.

    She encouraged communities to take ownership of the project, ensuring its success and long-term impact.

  • Niger Delta ethnic nationalities seek devolution of power

    Niger Delta ethnic nationalities seek devolution of power

    The Ethnic Nationalities of the Nigerian Delta region have called for the devolution of power from the centre to the states in tandem with global best practice of true federalism.

    This is contained in the communiqué after a meeting of the Conference of President-Generals of the ethnic nationalities, held at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

    The communiqué was signed by Prof. Benjamin Okaba Chairman, and Dr Chris Akanni, Asst Secretary of the group, was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

    The forum noted that the devolution of power had become very imperative in view of the present political structure or arrangement in the country, which they described as untenable, unsustainable and faulty.

    “Considering the present political structure and lingering socio-political crises in the country, there is the urgent need for the devolution of power and restructuring.

    “The restructuring should be laid on a foundation of justice, devolution of power and resource control among the component units of the federation through fiscal discipline,” they said.

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    They also noted that restructuring should be done in an environment devoid of endemic corruption.

    The participants further argued that each region should have the autonomy to legislate and make decisions within its own sphere of influence without any undue political influence or interference from the centre.

    “The meeting is primarily summoned to examine the state of the Nigerian nation and the Southsouth region, against the backdrop of the lingering socio-political crises and the ever-whelming poverty rate amid huge economic resources in the country.

    “Aside from mass poverty, which has subjected millions of Nigerians to extreme misery and disillusionment, huge and mind-blowing corruption, insecurity and wastages in public service have become cardinal concerns of the citizenry

    “We therefore harmonised the positions taken by the Southsouth/Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities including the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), and the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought.

    “Others are Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), Oron Development Union (ORU), the Ogbako Ikwerre Convention (OIC), etc., in response to the recent call for MEMORANDA and Proposals for Constitutional Amendments by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the group said.

    The forum noted that this would go a long way in planting the country on a pedestal that would ultimately make it provide the basic necessities of life to Nigerians.

    They also said that the ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta region support the creation of Regional Development Commissions to cater to peculiar problems of the geo-political zones in the country.

    “Therefore, as a matter of equity and justice, we call on the National Assembly not to hesitate to legislate on the Southsouth Development Commission Bill before it, which seeks the creation of the Southsouth Development Commission.

    The Niger Delta Development Commission as presently constituted is a pan-Nigeria intervention Agency comprising states such as Imo and Abia in the Southeast region; Ondo in the Southwest region among others that are outside the area known as the Niger Delta.

    “Hence the need to rename the NDDC as Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission” (OMPADEC).

    “The old name OMPADEC, be reintroduced to accommodate any state that may, in the future, emerge as an oil, gas, and mineral-producing state.

  • Protect interest of micro-minorities In Niger Delta, panelist urges FG

    Protect interest of micro-minorities In Niger Delta, panelist urges FG

    A member of discussant panel at the 3rd Coronation Anniversary Lecture of the Olu of Warri, His Imperial Majesty, Ogiamme Atuwatse III, Chief Robinson Ariyo, the Egogo (Mouthpiece) of Warri Kingdom, has urged the federal government to set up a commission to protect the interest of Micro- Minorities in the Niger Delta region.

    Speaking on the anniversary lecture theme; “The challenges of ethnic minorities within the Nigerian State,” yesterday at the Olu’s Palace Auditorium (Aghofen), Chief Ariyo, decried the conceived oppression and marginalisation of the ethnic micro minorities by the majority ethnic groups even at the sub-regional level.

    He lamented the present arrangement where all three ethnic nationalities would collectively agitate for dividends of democracy either in terms of infrastructures or political appointments but when such finally comes the majority ethnic groups within the region would hijack it, leaving the micro-minorities with nothing to show for it at the end of the struggle.

    The Egogo of the Iwere kingdom suggested the need for the various micro-minorities to begin to come together to synergies on how to chat a common course of liberating themselves, urging the Itsekiri nation to see the Ogoni’s and other ethnic groups they shared this same status as allies, in order to protect their interest.

    Ariyo, a legal practitioner, also stressed the importance of proper implementation of existing laws and policies to protect the rights of micro-minorities and ensure their survival in a landscape dominated by more prominent minority groups, noting that Nigerian constitution guarantees the survival of all ethnic nationalities in any part of the country.

    However, the itsekiries who occupy three local government within the region, such as the Ecules, who predominantly reside in only three local government areas, argue that the definition of “minority” has been too broad and fails to capture their unique challenges.

    According to him: “within the Niger Delta, there are relative majorities who have benefitted significantly from the struggles of the so-called minorities.

    “This, they argued, has led to the oppression of micro-minorities by larger minority groups, particularly when it comes to accessing benefits from initiatives such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Amnesty office”

    Continuing he said: “The Amnesty office, established in response to the demands of the Niger Delta region, has been dominated by these larger minority groups.

    “This has led to the marginalization of micro-minorities, such as the Ogoni people, who now seek to form alliances with other micro-minorities to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are recognized.

    “The Itsekiri people, who are a minority within Delta State, have been systematically excluded from key positions in the state government.

    “Over the past nine years, itsekiries have been absent from top executive roles, including the positions of governor, deputy governor, and key commissioner posts in Delta State

    “The call to redefine “minority” is not just about semantics but about ensuring that all groups, particularly micro-minorities, receive fair representation and access to the benefits intended for marginalized communities.

    The ceremony witnessed Itsekiri sons and daughters in Delta State, paid homage to the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III as he celebrates his third (3rd) coronation anniversary. A delegation all over itsekiri lands

    The Itsekiri indigenes, who paid homage to the Revered Monarch were from Sapele, Bobi and Obonteghareda Communities.

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    Others are; Holy Covenant Church, Ugboegungun, Aja-Etan, Dibi Field home-based women, Itsekiri Staff of College of Education, Warri, Ugbajo-Itsekiri, delegation from Warri South Council and members of University of Benin Alumni Association, Warri chapter, also paid homage to the Monarch.

    The different groups, entertained the King with elegant dance steps and Itsekiri cultural songs, paying allegiance to the King’s reign on the exalted throne.

    The Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse III, flanked by his Queen, Olori Atuwatse III, later offered prayers to his subjects, including palace chiefs, who greeted him as tradition demands.

    Other panel of discussants included; Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, Sir A. S Mene, while Prof Benson Osadalor, former Acting VC Ambrose Ali University (AAU) delivered the main lecture of the day.

  • INGO identifies drug abuse, land dispute, others as factors fueling criminality in Niger Delta

    INGO identifies drug abuse, land dispute, others as factors fueling criminality in Niger Delta

    NDLEA urges states to set up rehab centers

    An International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO), Search for Common Ground (SCG) has identified drug abuse, land dispute and child trafficking among others as factors fueling criminality and disputes in the Niger Delta.

    The Country Director of SCG, Fatima Madaki, said the project’s findings, recommendations and activities were aimed at reducing violent crime in Niger Delta communities.

    Madaki said: “It is impressive to see that issues around drug abuse has come up and how that further exacerbate violence to conflict in the community. How land dispute is increasing divisions in communities. We are also seeing child trafficking. All of these affect the people.”

    She spoke during the maiden meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on community-centred approach to tackle criminality and violence in the Niger Delta tagged, Fostering Inclusive Community Security Approaches to Address Systemic Drivers of Violence and Criminality, which was organised by SCG, PIND, EU, SDN and AAPW.

    She said: “The project is a community centred approach to address criminality and violence. We have structures that are embedded in the community level, local government level as well as state level where the issues are analysed and solutions proffered by the community*.

    While reeling out some of the challenges impeding the success of crime fighting, Madaki urged the government to build facilities to complement efforts made by non-governmental organisations.

    She said: “Insecurity is on the increase across the country and as practitioners, what we are seeing is that the dynamics are changing. It is a very fluid environment that needs due attention to addressing the challenges.

    “We want to see government supplementing our efforts because they have the core responsibility to ensure security provided in communities. They have the responsibility to ensure that facilities are provided in communities to build peace architecture and sustain it over time.

    “The government has all it takes to be responsive. On behalf of all the communities across Nigeria, we are advocating government to give attention to resource and structures in building peace across Nigeria.”

    However, the Project Coordinator of the EU Projects in PIND, Aniekan Achibong, said the meeting was timely and called on government to implement effective measures in tackling criminality in the region.

    In its presentation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) lamented a surge in drug use by youths, noting that criminality was propelled by use of illicit drugs.

    The Deputy Commander in charge of Operations and Training, NDLEA, Rivers State Command, Emmanuel Ogbungbada, insisted that the major driver of criminality was drug.

    He said: “Major driver of crime is drug. There is high level of crime because of the level of drug abuse. We are calling on members of the public to provide us with useful information that will help us reduce this menace to its barest minimum.

    “We need information that will help us crack down on those involved and we will protect the identity of those who will volunteer useful information to us.”

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    He called for the establishment of state-owned drug rehabilitation centres, adding that the facility would provide better opportunity for treatment of victims.

    He said: “We are advising Search for Common Ground to make efforts to reach out to the state government to see how they can build a state owned drug rehabilitation centre.

    “The facility we have can only contain 30 people and it is for only males. We don’t have female treatment facility that is why we usually refer people to UPTH and others.

    “If government can build a rehabilitation centre, it will go a long way in addressing the number of issues around drug and its effect.”

  • We’ll resist plot to undermine peace in Niger Delta – Youths

    We’ll resist plot to undermine peace in Niger Delta – Youths

    The central zone of the Ijaw Youth Council (Worldwide) has warned any person or group of persons plotting to sabotage the peace and development of the Niger Delta region.

    The chairman of the central zone, Perekosufa Ineife, in a statement on Friday, July 26, also condemned the recent unpatriotic statement made by an alleged faceless group, Project Niger Delta (PND), against the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, saying such defamatory remarks could hinder the development of the region

    He reiterated the IYC’s unwavering support and confidence in the PAP boss.

    Ineife called on the relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the activities of the faceless group and hold them accountable for their attempts to sow seeds of discord and instability in the region.

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    He said: “The IYC Central Zone will not tolerate any actions that undermine the peace and development of our beloved region.

    “We are deeply concerned about the attempt by PND to bring into disrepute the commendable efforts of Otuaro in implementing the amnesty programme. It is unacceptable for the group to use derogatory language and cast doubt on the credibility and effectiveness of the amnesty programme.

    “Otuaro has shown immense dedication and commitment to the cause of the Niger Delta region and its youth. Under his leadership, PAP has achieved significant milestones in ensuring the reintegration and empowerment of ex-agitators.

    “Otuaro’s inclusive and consultative approach with various stakeholders has garnered a broad consensus within the Niger Delta community, fostering greater peace and stability in the region.”

    The zonal IYC boss urged all stakeholders, especially the youth of the Niger Delta, to disregard the unfounded claims made by the PND. It is essential to focus on the continued progress and success of PAP under the competent leadership of Dr. Otuaro.

    He said: “The IYC Central Zone stands in solidarity with Dr Dennis Otuaro and reaffirms its total support for the PAP. We urge all Niger Delta youths to rally round this programme, which has brought immense benefits to our communities and empowered our future generations.”

  • Ex-agitators commit to promoting peace in Niger Delta 

    Ex-agitators commit to promoting peace in Niger Delta 

    A coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators for Good Governance has restated its commitment to promoting peace, security, and sustainability in the Niger Delta region.

    Coordinator of the group, Momos Wilberforce, who said this in a statement, urged all stakeholders to support the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s efforts towards promoting peace in the region. 

    Wilberforce admonished the Project Niger Delta (PND) to stop its alleged campaign of calumny against the PAP administrator. 

    He noted that a recent publication allegedly authored by PND against Otuaro was a device meant to distract and disrupt the peacebuilding initiatives, security, and developmental sustainability efforts made by the PAP administrator. 

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    Wilberforce stated that PAP under Otuaro’s leadership was focused on ensuring sustainability and security for the future of the Niger Delta.

    He added that attempts alleged attempt by PND “to discredit Otuaro’s endorsement by Professor Benjamin Okaba are misplaced and biased.”

    He urged the group to join hands in supporting the good cause Otuaro has started.

    “We urge PND to desist from their campaign of calumny and join hands with us to ensure that the core purpose for the creation of the Amnesty Programme is actualised,” the statement said. 

  • We’ll enforce transparency in oil production in Niger Delta, says DHQ

    We’ll enforce transparency in oil production in Niger Delta, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says it would enforce transparency by International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta region, as part of the renewed strategies to fight oil theft and increase oil production.

    It said it would also ensure the integrity of the metering systems deployed at flow stations.

    The military high command dropped the hint yesterday, through the Director of Defence Media Operations Maj-Gen Edward Buba.

     Gen. Buba said the military is rejigging its strategies in the Niger Delta to combat oil theft and boost production.

    He said: “The redesigned strategy aims to curb the menace of crude oil theft through a comprehensive approach. Operations would therefore be conducted through a unified command structure for all security agencies operating in the Niger Delta.

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     “Additionally, operations would target specific areas that have significant capability to boost crude oil production. The targeted areas include, but not limited to enforcing and ensuring transparency by International Oil Companies operating in the region.

    “Others are; ensuring the integrity of the metering systems deployed at flow stations. Operations will also embark on the tracking of the point of loading to the destination point of the crude oil.”

    The defence spokesperson said the military will also concentrate on surveillance of the pipelines, jackets and well head to forestall breaches. He said the operations would galvanise the support of the people of the Niger Delta as well as the stakeholders in the oil sector to support the drive to boost the nation’s oil production.

     “Importantly, operations will ensure prosecution of culprits engaged in crude oil theft,” he said.